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As you know by now, we are big advocates of the organic and eco-friendly lifestyle – natural skincare products, natural and organic linens, clothing, and most importantly, our own organic bedding and mattresses. It’s our goal to fit the needs of you and your loved ones – we try to have a little something for everyone. If you’ve been in our beautiful Berkeley location on Fourth street, you may have also seen that we host a large amount of products specifically for the babies! Our baby section has become quite expansive over the years, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Beyond carrying our own Earthsake bedding products for the little ones (cribs, pillows, wool pads, crib bumpers, mattress protectors, etc.), we carefully select children’s products that are natural and organic, or local to the Bay Area.

We have organic and eco-friendly blankets, swaddles, organic clothing, teethers and greenware (no more worrying about what your child is putting in its’ mouth!), and greentoys, that the kids love playing while they’re in the shop. If you’re needing a little something for your own child, a niece or nephew, grandchild, our baby products make wonderful and thoughtful gifts!

Our linen sale is in FULL SWING! All in-stock and special order linens are 20% off! Now is a great time to stock up or freshen up those sheets and shams! Come in and we’ll help you pick out the best colors possible for your bedroom! We carry organic cotton, all natural bamboo, and luxurious wood fiber bedding. Come into the store and see/feel it for yourself!

As we all know from out spotlight in April, the Legna Italian linens from SDH are heavenly (and in case you missed it, there is a link at the bottom for more info). Did you know that other than bedding, SDH also makes towels and other bath accessories as apart of their Legna collection? Amazing, we know! We had a chance to chat with our buyer Wendi, who has a set of the Legna towels and is absolutely bananas for them.

Why do you love the Legna bath towels?

Wendi Goad: They are so silky, smooth, and super absorbent. The Legna towels very lightly exfoliate as well, so I feel fresh and clean after using them.

Do you have a full set?

Wendi: Yes! I started with just a bath towel and some wash cloths in the shark (a rich gray), and just recently bought more wash cloths and hand towels.

What do you like best about them?

Wendi: I like using the wash cloths on my face because they’re so soft and you can’t see the make-up I’m taking off on them!

That’s great! Do they wash well, compared to other towels?

Wendi: Very. I’ve had many of the towels that we carry, and none of them compare quite like the Legna towel. They get super soft with every wash, they hold up really well, and the colors are fantastic.

The Legna towels come in several different color ways, making it easy to match any bathroom space! We have a few in stock at our Berkeley location so you can experience the color, shine, and texture for yourself. We also have a few washed samples of the towels, so you can see what it will feel and look like once the material has gone through proper washing. More info on Legna and SDH linens here: https://earthsakeblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/sdh-spring-linens-available-on-our-website/

Time for our staff picks! We had the pleasure of asking our co-owner Heather a few questions about her favorite Earthsake product, the 1.5″ wool pad!

What is your favorite Earthsake product?

Heather G: The 1.5″ topper, definitely!

So comfy! Why is the 1.5″ topper your favorite?

HG: It’s the one piece that transforms your mattress. Whether you have an old or a new mattress, it’s the one item that can change your bed.

Are you currently sleeping on it now?

HG: Yes! Funny story. My husband and I (Co-owner Eric) have the (Earthsake) Rhapsody mattress. We moved the mattress onto a specific set of wooden slats that firmed up the mattress quite a bit for us – we put the 1.5″ wool pad on the Rhapsody and it has been HEAVENLY. It was just the right amount of plushness that we needed!

That’s great! Would you recommend the 1.5″ wool pad? Why?

HG: Of course! I would recommend the wool pad for your overall health, healthy sleeping, for alignment, and most of all, for comfort!

As some of you already know, our wool is organically and locally grown in Sonoma County. It’s naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, making it perfect for any climate! Wool will also regulate your body temperature, lowering your blood pressure and keeping you from sweating at night. The 1.5″ wool pad in particular is awesome because it lays directly on top of the mattress, so it fits snuggly underneath your fitted sheet!

Like this:

It’s spring time, and we’re so ready for the sunshine here at Earthsake! Need to put together some Easter baskets? We’ve stocked up on stuffed bunnies, duckies, bath toys, and puzzles; perfect gifts for your little ones! We also have stocked up on some big kid treasures, too. Our spring collection of linens has started to trickle in, and beds are dressed to the nines! Organic cottons, brightly colored bamboo sheets, and gorgeous throw pillows for that perfect color pop.

Today, there is a positive movement in the food industry to make and keep healthier eating habits. Companies are sourcing fresh produce and veggies locally, and finding healthier alternatives to refined sugars and processed foods. Since we are making a conscious effort to make healthier choices to what goes in our bodies, we should be doing the same for our outer shell as well, as those two are connected. Many of us think being healthy on the outside means making healthy choices that only effect your outward physique. The truth: skin is our bodies’ biggest organ, and absorbs anything it comes in contact with.

We are creatures of ritual – we don’t often think of our daily habits, like how harmful the products might be that we’re using directly on our bodies everyday. What’s in the shampoo are you using, or the lotion you use after the shower? What about deodorant? Or the perfume? Have you thought about what’s in the hand creme that stays tucked away in your bag, next to the chapstick? Let’s investigate!

Reading the information on personal products will give you some insight on the contents, but not enough. More often than not its a slew of words that are unpronounceable (not a good sign in the first place). One common chemical in the cosmetic and home-good industry is a compound called “parabens”. Parabens are essentially a special chemical made up of various acids, and are used as a preservative to increase the shelf-life of products. They are used in shampoos, make-up, lotions, cremes, moisturizers, and detergents.

Another harsh chemical to watch out for are phthalates. Phthalates are a bonding of various chemicals (acids and alcohols) that are used to essentially soften plastic material, making them more flexible, durable, and increase their longevity. Ever sprayed a perfume and encountered a strong, lingering rubbing alcohol smell? No more wondering! Phthalates are used in perfumes, lotions, cremes, moisturizers, shower curtains, nail polish and removers, house cleaning agents, and cosmetics. In these particular products, phthalates are used to make colors more vibrant and create longer-lasting scents in perfumes and cremes [1].

Both phthalates and parabens are extremely cheap, a big reason a lot of companies use them in their products. Your skin takes everything in and absorbs it into the blood stream, its time to be careful! Phthalates and parabens are both known to cause endocrine disruption, especially in breast-feeding moms and pregnant women [2].The endocrine system hosts vital glands that distribute hormones throughout the body (including reproductive glands, the adrenals, and pancreas), so healthy early development is essential. Chemicals that are endocrine disruptors (like phthalates and parabens) can cause serious issues like birth defects and cancerous tumors. Traces of parabens have been found by researchers in breast cancer tumors, closely to the use of cosmetic products [3]. Research has also shown the exposure to some types of phthalates has caused a lower sperm count in men, as well as infertility [4].

Your body is a temple, and should be treated as such! Earthsake proudly houses products that are paraben and phthalate free, from body lotions and soaps, to laundry detergent. One of our favorite products is Hello Mellow, an LA based company that uses all natural and organic ingredients in their body oils and butters. Their Rejuvenate body oil includes sesame and olive oil, avocado and mango body butter, with essential oils of lemongrass, lavender, and litsea. Highly nourishing, all natural, and most important, their products are paraben and phthalate free! Swing by the Earthsake store to try it!

Since we are currently in full swing with our natural bedding sale (20% off!!), let’s get to know a little bit about the benefits of Earthsake’s Organic Wool.

Local Love and Happy Sheep

Here at Earthsake, we are all about supporting our local heroes. Not only is our wool sourced in America, it’s sourced from the happiest sheep on organic farms in the Sonoma Valley. Locally produced and harvested, the free-ranged sheep graze on pastures free of pesticides for a two year minimum, and any changes in their diet must be organically based. The inoculations are monitored as well, diligently made free of synthetics and hormones. Through the shearing process, ranchers take extra time to provide a clean environment for the sheep, and the wool cleansing process is no different. After the wool has been sheered, careful steps are taken to eliminate any chemical additives: cleaned with water and processed purely without the use of bleach, formaldehyde or dyes. The end result is simple: an all natural and organic wool from the happiest, local sheep!

No More Sticky Nights!

The temperature of your body while you sleep is not only key for comfort, but also for your all-around health. If your bedding is causing excess heat, it can cause a plethora of problems like elevating your heart rate and blood pressure. Being too hot while you sleep can also cause you to toss and turn, resulting in a shallow sleep, when your body needs a deeper sleep to rejuvenate its muscles and tissues. Wool is naturally a temperature regulating fiber, being able to control both warm and cool body temperatures. It also absorbs and evaporates moisture without a lingering “dampy” feeling.

Strength and Resilience for Wiggle Machines

What kind of sleeper are you? Maybe you’re a starfish belly sleeper, or a restless wiggle machine. Folding, twisting, bending, jumping- your comforter endures endless shape shifting, so the filling should be strong. The springiness make-up of the wool fiber (like a coiled spring) keeps the batting from shifting around or causing clumps. This means it will also maintain its natural fluff. Not only is wool resilient, it’s also a very durable and flexible fiber. It can bend on itself 20,000 times without breaking – good news for the high-velocity wiggle machines out there!

Mold, Mildew, Mites – Oh My!

We now know that wool is a temperature regulator. So not only does this hollow fiber wick away moisture, it also naturally repels dust mites and mildew. Essentially, it will clean itself and be self-maintaining to a large degree. Added bonus: the unique chemical structure of wool is naturally flame resistant, so there is no need for added flame retardants.

The Earthsake wool is one of many fantastic products of our Natural Bedroom collection. Because of all the great benefits it produces, both environmentally and personally, we have wool products available in all of our natural bedding (pillows, comforters, toppers, mattress pads). Of course, these are just a few of the MANY great facts and benefits of the organic wool we use at Earthsake. Visit the website for more info!

For over twenty years Earthsake has produced a signature line of organic mattresses and bedding. We’ve pioneered the ever-expanding market of natural fiber mattresses and bedding, but we aren’t going to stop there. Soon, we will be working with the same 100% organic cotton used in and around our mattresses, pillows and comforters to create our own line of bed and bath linens. These items are not only luxurious, organic and pure, but they are also local.

Made exclusively in the USA (grown in California and Texas) our organic cotton meets Global Organic Certification standards and helps support small, local family farmers. We are happy to team with companies that fall into line with our ethos as a small, local business and are excited to work with them in order to produce a line of bedding and bath linens that meet the highest standards not only in green living, but also in comfort.

When people talk about organic products they generally know the term, but don’t understand how labor intensive the phrase “we’re organic” actually is. In order to earn a certified organic cotton label, the cotton must be grown in soil where the use of pesticides has been discontinued for at least three years. Compost and other organic matter enrich the soil, and innovative farm machinery and old-fashioned hand-to-earth labor control weeds. Farmers utilize frequent crop rotation and beneficial insects to further assist the crops without the use of herbicides. The long staple Pima cotton in our mattresses, bedding, and, now, bed and bath linens is 100% U.S. certified organically grown and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Organic farmers are respectful of the earth — their methods preserve and enhance the health of our topsoil. These farmers rotate crops helping to eliminate plant diseases and pests. Organic farming depends on a detailed knowledge of natural processes, local soil conditions and weather. Only by farming on a relatively small scale does a farmer have this knowledge of their land required for successful organic cultivation.

We honor the labor and creative energy of each person who has a hand in our production process. We enforce strict standards throughout each stage of this process from growing the cotton fiber, spinning into yarn and weaving this yarn to construct fabrics and finished products. No chemical softeners, finishes, formaldahyde or silicone can be used in manufacturing our signature line of products. They must maintain a pure and natural production process. By purchasing Earthsake products you support sustainable, bio-diverse agriculture and responsible manufacturing.

For years, we have contracted with small, local American manufacturers and farmers for U.S. Certified long staple organic cotton, PureGrow wool (providing a natural, organic fire-retardant inside our mattresses) and more. Our mattresses and bedding products had organic cotton in them before there was a certification for it. In fact, we are proud to have been part of the formulation of several types of organic, natural and earth-friendly certifications in existence today. Our suppliers and manufacturers have passed these stringent certification requirements in order to make our signature line of products. So you know if it carries the Earthsake label its organic, pure and local.

Our commitment to quality ensures your satisfaction – from the earth to you. We believe the path to healthy living for the planet (and for each one of us) is found through the responsible use of the earth’s treasures. With Earthsake’s signature line of products, you enhance the health of your home and your own well being.